Today was nothing that I expected it to be, even still, it wasn't a bad day. I expected a fleet of movers to arrive at 8am this morning.. Instead, we greeted two movers at about 9am. We have only done JPPSO once before this one and nothing that happened last time seems to be happening this time. One mover packed the entire kitchen, solely by himself. The other started in Ava's room and worked his way to the man cave. I guess we had more stuff than they realized because it ended up taking them until almost 630pm just to pack up two crates into their moving truck. I even pitched into help pack some of our things. We estimated the weight at about 7000 lbs, so I'm not sure if the company saw it fit to only send two packers... but boy did I feel badly for them. It was so incredibly hot today. Even I was a bit annoyed with the good weather. Normally I wouldn't be, but it made it harder to move around with Olivia in our arms and chasing after Ava. 

The main mover (we'll call him Mr. D) Mr. D was extremely friendly. He asked all kinds of questions to get to know us better. He came across my photography business license in the kitchen and asked about a dozen questions about how that dream came to be. He asked about Justin's interest in sports, our kiddos, and how long we'd been together. It was nice of him to be so personable with us. The other mover (we'll call him Mr. R) Mr. R was friendly as well. He caught Ava's attention pretty regularly as he was packing up her room. Both were great with our 3 year old running around and asking questions. That was so appreciated. Her entire world and normality was literally being uprooted right in front of her. I am so proud of my first born and how great she handled everything despite the crazy. 

We ended up ordering pizza for the movers to thank them for all their help. I think they appreciated it, since they kept thanking us and telling us how thoughtful we were. I think giving back in even the smallest amounts makes a world of difference. Justin ended up giving away his first coffee pot in our marriage to Mr. R... I don't know why that bothered me so much, but I got so emotional about it. There were several times during their packing that they would mention that my husband said it was okay to get rid of this, or my husband said it was okay to get rid of that. I wouldn't consider myself a hoarder, but more than ever now.. I try to hold on to my favorite memories... and I have a lot of those. 

On another note, I did appreciate that they waited to pack our master bedroom. Apparently they leave the master bedroom last because they try to let people have their beds an extra night. It was appreciated because our entire family piled in that night. Day one of packing was successful. We were exhausted, but the girls got to bed on time, Justin and I managed to get a lot of other things done, and two of Justin's soldiers came over to help. Justin ended up giving away his propane grill ( i was only slightly irritated by this) and a fridge full of food. It was great to go so much accomplished though.

♥- Leilani

Two moves in two months & 3000 miles

It's been awhile since I've been on here (busy, busy) and I feel like things are slowing down just a bit. As most of you know, my family went from the State of Georgia, to the state of Texas, only to move to the state of Washington just over a month later. While all of that was going on, I was (and still am) fully enrolled in college courses, raising and practicing attached parenting methods with Ava, and trying to keep every spark lit in my marriage. It's definitely a lot to take in all at once, but somehow we made it, and everything is just fine. My biggest fear with moving was that it was going to cause Ava's development to slow down. We haven't had true consistency in our home since the beginning of December, and Justin and I feel just awful about that. Luckily, with each move, Ava bug has advanced even more. I still can't believe how much she's grown since we've been in Washington. Pulling up on things, crawling, sitting in restaurant highchairs... I'm shell shocked at how rapid her growth has been. Even with being busier, we make sure to spend time with Ava at home, just hanging out, allowing her to play on the floor and grow.

I've also managed to maintain a 3.9 GPA with my university. I have gone, (and still am without) wifi for the past eight days.Thank Jesus for mobile hotspot, because I really don't know how'd I'd be blogging, let alone getting my school work done. Century Link is working on getting a crew out here, but I'm growing really impatient. Apparently the lines to our home were cut, so a crew has to come in and dig a new line. Even though I've got the okay from my professors to turn in my work late, I haven't taken advantage of that. All assignments and essays have been turned in on time. I'm pretty proud of the stride I make when it comes to my studies.

I have to say how impressed I am by my husband. If I had to to this type of move, or arrangement with anyone else, I would probably have failed miserably. I have learned the true meaning of patience during our move. I have learned what take it day by day really means. Justin has reminded me that romance does not take the back seat in our lives. Intimacy does not take a back seat. Even with everything we have going on, love in our home is a priority. I am so thankful for those reminders. When you become a mother, a student, a military wife, apart of a military family, a lot of things take the back seat in your life. Justin is an everyday reminder that our marriage and "dating one another" never takes a back seat. So even if it's extremely late at night, we always make sure to do something together. Watching a movie, cuddling by the fire, you name it, we do it. I fall more in love with the love my marriage presents, daily.

Last night I got a knock on the door, and it was a flower deliverer. I hadn't expected any flowers this year, but I actually got more than roses. Justin created a custom vase for me, with the most endearing words I had ever read. In those moments, I cried, and I just held him close. Without a doubt, my husband surpasses a best friend or soul mate. That man is a piece of me. A piece I am so grateful to have. Yesterday we celebrated three wonderful years, and I know this year is going to allow us many more wonderful moments.

Well I'm off all! We've got a busy day, and I'm already behind schedule! Oh, on the upside all of our Jppso shipment arrives in just five days! Yay for no more airbed sleeping!




 ♥- Leilani

Let it rain, let it pour

Man, it feels like my little family got slammed with a lot of stress these last couple months. I am pleased to report that soon, it will all be over. Today we had our JPPSO movers come out, and they were nothing short of a blessing. Not only did I not have to lift a single finger, they were super friendly and personable. They handled all of our things with care, and made sure to go over each part of the paperwork with us. I initially thought this moving method was going to be horrible (ask me again once we are waiting on our things), but it really wasn't bad at all. I know Justin feels a million times better knowing he doesn't have to drive a huge u-haul, and tow dolly across the country. It took the movers around six hours to pack and move all of our things into the 24 foot truck. The best part? We didn't have to pay for it. This time it's on the Army's dime. 

 Seeing all the boxes were far too familiar, and I'm excited to stay somewhere a little longer than a month. I was so proud f our bug today. She was awesome! So chill, and full of smiles. She let us eat lunch, while she just chilled in her high chair, and I think we baby wore Ava for like seven hours straight today. She was even able to get a little nap in, it was glorious. After the movers left, we were able to get the car packed up, and finally settle for the night. Ava bug had her first helping (stage two) of apples and blueberries, and (we think) they are a hit. Stage two foods aren't really different from stage one, aside from the fact that they are all mixed with something. The consistency seems the same to us.

I'm in the mists of trying to plan something super special for my third wedding anniversary with Justin, and this has got me all giddy and feeling romantic. I really want to show my husband how thankful I am, not only for the past three years, but for all he does on a regular basis to keep our family solid, and golden. In raising a family, going back to school, and constantly moving (Thank you Army) there are plenty of moments to forget about the special time you and your spouse need. I'm really glad that Justin and I constantly remind each other that we need that time. I have just under two weeks to plan, so hopefully I can come up with something sweet, without Justin suspecting a thing. We also decided on the first DIY project we are going to do at the new house. You can find the image in the "DIY" section of my blog. We are going to put up some rain gutters for books we begin to purchase for Ava. I am finally ordering her pottery barn anywhere chair (as long as it isn't back stocked) for this nook in her nursery. Thanks to an awesome friend at Colorful Characters, Ava will also have her name with ballerina inspired decoration on them, hanging over her new book shelves.

I'm already thinking about fun little additions to add to the master. Man, this Washington home is going to be a good one. I can't help but smile when I think about Washington. Especially when I think about  my mama. Every time we talk I can hear the happiness in her voice. She is ready to have us back! Well, that's all for now. I am literally beat, and it's time for this mama to hit the sack. Also, if you haven't "liked" my facebook page, make sure to do that. (Simply Howland) Once I hit 130 likes, I am giving away an ergobaby carrier! Goodnight all! 

♥- Leilani

Crunchy Mama

I've heard this term thrown around quite a bit since I had Ava bug. I think it's more entertaining than anything, but I have found that this definition is fitting for my family, and our parenting styles. The term crunchy really just describes a parent who fosters a strong, positive bond with their children through natural living. What could be better than that? I feel all warm and fuzzy knowing I am a part of a parenting generation, where people are going back to the basics. What worked for us all those years ago, still work for us today. Parenting is getting thrown into our modern habits, and I honestly resent it a little bit. In an effort to make the time slow down, or at least capture the moments I have with my lover bug, I have booked a natural "lifestyle" photo session for Justin, Bug, and I. I want black and white (maybe color) photos of our baby wearing little Ava days. I want photos of the sun shining down on my little Princess, while I nurse her in the morning. I want photos that show how attached parenting methods have produced this little vibrant being I call my daughter. A lot of pressure on a photo, right? Hopefully, the photos turn out somewhat how I'm imaging them to be. We aren't doing these until we get settled in Washington, but I'm excited for them already.

Speaking of photos, I am already on the hunt for Ava's birthday decor. Seems like there is so much to do when planning a little's first Birthday. I know Ava's will be a bit more intense, because we will be near family and friends. I am ready for this challenge! I have already located the venue, and found the company to make the cake, smash cake, and cake pops. I settled on a theme this morning too. Don't ask me why Im making all these decisions four months in advance, I just cannot contain myself. My little girl is going to be one year old this year.

We took bug into pediatrics today. With the flu running rampid in central Texas we just wanted to make sure she was still healthy, and good to go. Ava now weighs 15 lbs and five ounces. She is also 24 and 3/4 inches long. WOW! Drastic change from the 5 lb 11 ounce baby I gave birth to. She is perfectly healthy, and is a bit more advanced for her age. I know Justin was feeling great after Ava's appointment today. The doctor was impressed with how comfortable Justin was with Ava. He knows how to do everything I do, and that impressed the doctor. She said a lot of dads aren't that comfortable with their babies, that they are all okay with mom running the show. She made a comment as we were leaving, she said we should have ten kids with how mellow and in sync we were. While the compliment was flattering, I don't see us ever having 10 children.

The movers come in just two days, and then in seven days, Ava will be on her first plane ride. This week is going to consist of a lot of packing, school work, and prepping for our big move. I hope everyone stays warm this week! It looks like a huge cold front is coming in towards the states that aren't so used to this freezing weather.

♥- Leilani

Washington Bound (almost)

I can't believe I am writing this, but everything has managed to work itself out. Justin signed his 4187, and will be receiving his orders for Fort Lewis, WA. within a few days. I am so, so happy that human resources with the Army was so accommodating and helpful with our unique situation. Justin doesn't have to sign into this installation, but he is permissively (temporarily) signed in (so glad he isn't using up his leave days). He's kind of just in limbo right now. We submitted all the necessary paperwork to close out our DITY from Georgia to Texas and we will be receiving the rest of those funds in just a few weeks. For anyone thinking of doing a DITY move, it is so worth it. I still stick by this, only because we had a headache free experience. With Washington being over 2,000 miles way from us, it looks like we may be doing JPPSO. I'm a bit nervous about this because of all the horror stories I've heard. When we left Washington for Georgia three years ago, we utilized JPPSO... but that was also before we built up our home, and actually had things we'd be upset about losing or breaking. I think it still might be a toss up.. Justin and I have a lot to talk about. It looks like we'll only be in Texas for another month or so, before we end up leaving. There are a few things we'd like to see while we are here, and I'm hoping we get to check out some of the sites. I definitely want to explore Austin. Apparently it's the only "blue" in a "red" state. I've only heard good things, and I've got some family down that way. Christmas has been on my brain a lot today. With my mom not coming, I'm going to have to find a way to make the holiday super special. I know we are taking Ava to see Santa this weekend! So stoked for that! It'll be her first time taking pictures with Santa, and the second time for Justin and I. It's funny because I remember Justin telling me, that he was never taking pictures with Santa again, unless it was for our kids. Crazy to think he said that only 3 years ago. We have been ordering Christmas movies like crazy, since abc family's 25 days of Christmas has been disappointing. I'm sure they run the same movies every year, it just seems like they are skipping a lot of classics.

 I'm excited about this collection! It has the Frosty originals, Rudolph, and a few more. Seven movies are included, and we haven't even made it through two yet. I can't wait to snuggle up to the fire, hot cocoa, and shiny Christmas tree lights, while we watch this. I love our Christmas traditions, and it has been an absolute blessing to have my husband home during my favorite time of year. I'm hoping since we actually own these movies, that we will bust them out each and every year, and hopefully Ava bug will be able to enjoy them as much as Justin and I do. Thinking about all that is Christmas has caused me to have a heavy heart....

Above all of the wonderful things going on right now, I'm just so thankful that my family is together. Even though I don't have a deployed soldier anymore, that doesn't mean that another family doesn't. Thinking back to how I felt last year without Justin... I would never want someone to ever have to experience that. It's lonely and scary, and emotional. So if you are reading this, thank a service member! They dedicate themselves 365 days a year, and without them, our freedoms wouldn't be what they are.

Alright all, it looks like I'm off. It's Friday, and we still have a lot to do in preparation for Christmas. I think i'm going to scout out a ham a bit early this year. I am thinking of making my own glaze, maybe "wow" my husband a bit. It's weird to think that come next year Princess A will actually be able to enjoy her mama's cooking. Still wrapping my head around the fact that I shall soon have a crawling, babbling, seven month old baby. I hope everyone has a safe, and festive weekend! 

 ♥- Leilani